Skip to content
See your exact steps free
Hyphenating your last name · .gov-verified Last verified 2026-07-03

How to Hyphenate Your Last Name After Marriage

You can take a hyphenated last name after marriage using your marriage certificate alone — no court order is needed — as long as the hyphenated name combines the last names already shown on your marriage document. Social Security's rules allow a surname formed by combining or hyphenating both spouses' last names when it can be derived directly from the certificate. Start with Social Security, then your driver's license or REAL ID, then your passport.

The steps for your situation

  1. Confirm the hyphenated name can be derived from your marriage certificate

    Social Security allows a surname change that combines or hyphenates the last names already shown on your marriage document, with no court order needed. If the new name includes a surname not found on either spouse's record in the marriage document, it may not be derivable and could require a court-ordered name change instead.

    Source

  2. Change your name with Social Security (free)

    Apply for a corrected Social Security card using Form SS-5. Your marriage certificate is the evidence for your new hyphenated name. There is no fee. Documents must be originals or copies certified by the issuing agency — photocopies are not accepted.

    Source

  3. Update your driver's license or REAL ID

    Go to your state DMV with your updated Social Security record and your marriage certificate to update your license or REAL ID. Your marriage certificate is the name-traceability document that connects your old name to your new hyphenated name. Required documents vary by state.

    Source

  4. Change your passport

    If your passport was issued less than a year ago, change the name at no charge using Form DS-5504, along with a certified copy of your marriage certificate. If it has been more than a year, you renew with a certified copy. You mail your current passport, so plan around any upcoming travel.

    Source

Official sources

Every step is backed by an official government page — confirm the current rules on the source before you act.

See your exact steps free

Answer a few quick questions and we'll show you the steps in order, each linked to the real .gov page. No account, no card.

Start your free preview

Frequently asked questions

Do I need a court order to hyphenate my last name after marriage?
No, if the hyphenated name combines the last names already on your marriage certificate. Social Security allows a surname that combines or hyphenates both spouses' last names using the marriage document alone, with no court order. A court order is generally only needed if the name you want cannot be derived from the names already shown on the document.
Can I hyphenate my last name even if my spouse is not changing theirs?
Yes. Each spouse makes their own name decision independently. You can take a hyphenated version of both last names using your marriage certificate, regardless of whether your spouse changes their name.
What if I want to add a last name that is not on our marriage certificate?
If the new surname is not on your marriage certificate, it generally cannot be derived from the document and may require a court-ordered name change. Start with your county court for the process in your state.

Not legal advice · Not a government service · Not affiliated with any government agency.